Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is a climbing philodendron with deeply lobed leaves. It is usually described as a hybrid of Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron squamiferum. What makes it special is the new growth: leaves unfurl almost white, turn mint to lime green over a few weeks, and end up mid-green when mature.
It is an easy philodendron to grow if it gets bright light, an airy mix and something to climb.
Florida Ghost at a glance
- Name: Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ (Araceae), a hybrid
- Habit: climber; mature plants reach about 60–150 cm (2–5 ft) on a support
- Light: bright, indirect
- Watering: when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry
- Humidity: 50% or higher
- Temperature: 18–30 °C (65–86 °F); keep it above 13 °C (55 °F)
- Toxicity: contains calcium oxalate; keep away from pets and small children
Light
Bright, indirect light keeps the new leaves pale for longer and the plant compact. A spot a little back from a bright window, or behind a sheer curtain, is ideal. Strong direct sun scorches the leaf edges, while low light makes new leaves green up quickly and the stems stretch. A grow light running about 12 hours a day works well.
Soil
Use an airy aroid mix: orchid bark, perlite or pumice, coco coir and some compost, with a little horticultural charcoal if you have it. The aim is a mix that holds some moisture but lets water run through and air reach the roots.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and let the excess drain. In warm months that may be about once a week, in cooler months less often. Yellow lower leaves usually mean too much water; crispy brown edges mean the soil got too dry or the air is dry.
Temperature and humidity
Keep it between 18 and 30 °C and away from cold drafts. It tolerates average room humidity, but grows larger, healthier leaves above 50–60%. A humidifier is the most effective way to raise humidity indoors.
Fertiliser
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every two to four weeks while it is growing. Regular, diluted feeding gives better results than occasional strong doses, which can burn the roots.
Support, growth and repotting
Florida Ghost is a climber and produces bigger, more mature leaves when it can climb. Give it a moss pole or a coco coir pole and tie the stem to it loosely. Repot every one to two years, when roots fill the pot, moving up one size.
Propagation
Take a stem cutting with at least one node and an aerial root, and root it in water, moist sphagnum moss or a light mix. Keep it warm and humid; roots usually form in two to four weeks.
Common problems
Bacterial leaf spot and soft rot
Dark, water-soaked spots that spread quickly, sometimes with a yellow halo, are usually a bacterial infection. Cut off affected leaves with clean scissors, keep the foliage dry, water at the base and improve air movement. Badly affected stems are best removed so the infection does not spread.
Mealybugs and spider mites
Mealybugs look like small white cotton tufts in leaf joints; spider mites leave fine speckling and webbing under the leaves. Isolate the plant, wipe off what you can with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until they are gone. Test any spray on one leaf first.
When your plant arrives
Our philodendrons travel bare-root. Pot the plant in slightly moist mix on the day it arrives, or root it in water first if the roots are few or damaged, and keep it warm, humid and out of direct sun for a few weeks. See our guide on helping plants recover after shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Florida Ghost leaves not white?
New leaves always turn green as they mature. They stay pale longer in bright, indirect light; in low light they green up quickly.
Does Philodendron Florida Ghost need a moss pole?
It grows without one, but a pole lets it climb, which produces larger and more mature leaves.
Is Philodendron Florida Ghost toxic?
Yes. Like other philodendrons it contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it away from pets and small children.
See Philodendron Florida Ghost in our catalog.
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